SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6313
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Amended in House, March 7, 2008
Title: An act relating to disability history month.
Brief Description: Recognizing disability history in the public education system.
Sponsors: Senators McAuliffe, Rasmussen, Tom, Delvin, Shin, Kohl-Welles, Fairley and Fraser.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education:1/28/08 [DP].
Passed Senate: 2/19/08, 49-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Tom, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Eide, Hobbs, Holmquist, Kauffman, McDermott, Oemig, Rasmussen, Weinstein and Zarelli.
Staff: Susan Mielke (786-7422)
Background: A number of famous people in history and in modern times have had or have some form of disability. Despite their disabilities, these individuals were successful in many different walks of life.
Summary of Bill: Each October, public schools, colleges, and universities must conduct and promote educational activities that provide instruction, awareness, and understanding of disability history and people with disabilities. The activities may include school assemblies or guest speakers.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Students need to understand the tremendous
contribution that has been made by many accomplished people with disabilities. By celebrating
disability history month we hope to change the attitudes of students, including some students with
disabilities, that think negatively of people who have a disability or who view a disability as a
stigma. This should not be a cost to schools. There are speakers bureaus already formed that can
help.
OTHER: This is one more thing to include in a finite school day. The full inclusion of students
with disabilities in our classrooms and schools would create much more acceptance than spending
one hour a year listening to someone about disabilities. There are many ways that students can
do this now, including their culminating project.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Rosemary McAuliffe, prime sponsor; Emily Rogers,
Advocates for the Rights of Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (ARC) of Washington;
George Adams, Self-Advocates in Leadership; YuXin Kaplan, student; Cheri R. Tessier, People
First; Christie Perkins, Washington State Special Education Coalition; Andrea Abrahamson,
Disability Rights Washington; David Lord Disability Rights Washington and Community
Transformation Partnership.
OTHER: Jerry Bender, Association of Washington School Principals.
House Amendment(s): The Appropriations Committee amendment, which added a null and void clause was adopted. The House Floor amendment removed the null and void clause. The effect is that the bill is the same as it was passed by the Senate.